The life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii involves both sexual and asexual reproduction, and it typically occurs in two hosts: a definitive host and an intermediate host. The definitive host is usually a member of the Felidae family, such as domestic cats, while the intermediate host can be any warm-blooded animal, including humans.
1. Sexual Reproduction in Definitive Host: The life cycle begins when a cat ingests the tissue cysts containing bradyzoites (slowly dividing form) of T. gondii from an intermediate host. The bradyzoites are released from the cysts and invade the intestinal cells of the cat. Inside the cells, they differentiate into tachyzoites (rapidly dividing form) and undergo asexual reproduction. The tachyzoites then rupture the host cells and spread throughout the cat's body, including the bloodstream.
2. Asexual Reproduction in Intermediate Host: If an intermediate host, such as a rodent or bird, ingests the oocysts (eggs) shed in the cat's feces, the oocysts release sporozoites (infective form) in the host's intestine. The sporozoites invade the host's cells and differentiate into tachyzoites, which multiply rapidly. The tachyzoites can infect various tissues and organs, forming tissue cysts. These cysts primarily develop in the brain and muscle tissues of the intermediate host.
3. Transmission to Definitive Host: If the intermediate host is consumed by a cat, the tissue cysts are digested in the cat's intestine, releasing bradyzoites. These bradyzoites invade the intestinal cells of the cat, initiating sexual reproduction and completing the life cycle.
4. Vertical Transmission: In addition to the typical life cycle, T. gondii can also be transmitted vertically from an infected mother to her fetus. If a pregnant woman becomes infected with T. gondii for the first time during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. This can lead to congenital toxoplasmosis, which can cause severe complications in the newborn.
Overall, the life cycle of T. gondii involves a complex interplay between definitive and intermediate hosts, with sexual reproduction occurring in the definitive host and asexual reproduction occurring in the intermediate host.